Dinner at the Swiss Embassy
The Swiss Ambassadors HE Mrs. Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen and HE Mr. Pedro Zwahlen had invited me to dinner at the Embassy Residence in Canberra. They wanted to know more about me and the drinking water project. After all, the embassy had donated the Trunz facility for the Kilu'ufi Hospital.
Other guests were Councellor Helen Beck from the Solomon Islands and Dr. Des Soares, who together with Dr. Oberli trains doctors in the Solomon Islands and the South Pacific.
Helen Beck and I described the situation in the Solomon Islands together, so it was not a one-sided report from me.
I attached great importance to the Ambassador couple's awareness that Kilu'ufi Hospital urgently needs a Solar Power Center. Why? The Hospital Director refuses to repair the two defective generators!!! He thinks it doesn't need the generators. BUT, if the power goes out, the trunz system goes out too!!!
So now I really hope that the Swiss Embassy will donate the urgently needed Solar Power Center.
Meeting with the UNDP team in Honiara
Today the meeting with the UNDP team " United Nations Development Assistance Program" took place.
The team was very interested in my report about Kilu'ufi Hospital and the current situation there. Together with the PowerPoint presentation and photos I sent in advance, it was realized: The hospital urgently needs support.
Next, I described the situation at NRH to the General Hospital in Honiara. They are in urgent need of clean drinking water, as once again a warning has been published about diarrheal diseases. In addition, there has been talk for years that a new hospital should be built. That will take at least another 10 years. You can't wait that long....
My instructions for making soap from used bars of soap initially caused great astonishment, then great interest. Once again I could show that improvisation is worth more than anything else....
What surprised me a lot was my fictitious business plan that I had written in 2007 as part of my EMBA studies. It is about the fight against malaria with a real product from the USA.
Luckily I had the USB stick with the PDF's with me. The team was surprised that there is something that has already proven itself.
You want to contact the company in USA.
On 22/23/11/2017, the UNDP International Conference will be held in Honiara, with Ronny Graul, the Swiss Trunz technician, attending.
I will get an update from him.
Preparations visit Solomon Islands
Like last year, my preparations for the visit to the Solomon Islands are in full swing.
I will visit Kilu'ufi Hospital, Gizo Hospital and Helene Goldie Hospital. My main concern is to be able to perceive the sustainability of the drinking water project on site. Is everything really as it should be?
What is certain is that at Kilu'ufi Hospital I am to train the staff in making soap from used soap. Dr. Olangi read my blog and urged. Because skin disinfectants are just hardly available.
At Gizo Hospital, I meet Chris Leve, Head Infection Contol, who has just completed advanced training in Japan. Since last year in the fire from the old hospital all the utensils for soap making burned, I have to see if new material has been purchased in the meantime.
At the Helena Goldie Hospital I meet the Swiss doctor couple Ruckstuhl. The two have been on site since August.
In Honiara I meet Gloria Suluia from UNDP (UN Development Program). It is keenly interested in the project, especially since UNDP has purchased brackish water treatment plants from Trunz.
Back in Australia, there will be a dinner at the Swiss Embassy in Canberra on 08.11.17 so that Ambassador Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen and I can finally meet in person. For this, I am preparing a presentation in advance about the situation in the Solomon Islands, because so far she has not been there.
During my stay in the Solomon Islands, this blog will be updated almost daily - provided I have internet access....
Drinking water project at Kilu'ufi Hospital on Malaita
25.07.2017
Last week I received an email with a Letter of Appreciation from Kilu'ufi Hospital.
In it, Dr. Olangi writes that just one week after the successful commissioning of the Trunz TWM1 facility, there was a massive decrease in diarrheal disease and, of course, there IS still!
Certainly, the intensive training and know-how transfer of the Swiss Trunz technician contributes significantly to this. With his winning and competent manner, it is easy for him to impart knowledge.
Read there to the Letter of Appreciation -.>Letter Kilu'ufi hospital Auki
Yes, and then I received an e-mail from Dr. Wulf Killmann, who is that? Dr. Killmann is program director of EU-GIZ Adapting to Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (ACSE).
Read all about Dr. Killmann and his work in the South Pacific here.
Dr. Kilmann and I have decided to make every effort to meet in Australia in November to discuss my drinking water project - maybe, just maybe, something big will come of it....
08.05.2017
It's done! The drinking water system was installed and commissioned by the Swiss Trunz technician. The joy at Kilu'ufi Hospital is immeasurable. Of course, the gratitude to the Swiss Embassy in Caberra, because without the generous donation, the project at Kilu'ufi Hospital would never have come to fruition.
Here are a few sentences from Dr. Olangi's email:
"Ronny (Trunz Switzerland) is here and has successfully installed the unit in one day. I am so pleased about the whole process. Moffat the local technician is so pleased to work with Ronny on the project and is more than willing to participate in any future program that is needed for the sustainability of such project in the Solomon Islands. Ronny is doing a teaching session with Moffat and the hospital plumber tomorrow. Great achievement so far."
So now on to the next drinking water project on another island of the Solomon Islands.
0.04.2017
The Trunz system and all accessories have arrived at Kilu'ufi Hospital! Thanks to Barry Bedford - who was named by DAISI as the contact for the logistics company Bollinger and of course Greg Jilini at the Minstry of Health, everything went smoothly.
The Swiss Trunz technician will arrive in Homiara on 7.5.2017 and will then carry out the installation at Kilu'ufi Hospital. Then, as planned, he will fly with the technician from Malaita to Gizo and Munda.
16.04.2017 - Things are moving forward!
Thanks to Dr. Micky Olangi from Kilu'ufi Hospsital , Dr. Gregory Jilini at the Minstry of Health and especially the logistics company "Bollinger Shipping Agency" in New South Wales (Australia), all the material for the drinking water plant at Kilu'ufi Hospital could be transported to Auki, the capital of Malaita, during the last two weeks.
A Swiss Trunz technician is flying to the Solomon Islands - to Malaita - in one week to install the equipment in Kilu'ufi Hospital.
Of course, NEW part of his job is to train the local technician mentioned by Dr. Micky Olangi and take him to the other islands where Trunz systems are already installed.
In addition, the local technician is to translate the most important contents from the manual for the TWM1 into Pidgin English . His role will be to supervise staff at Kilu'ufi Hospsital, Gizo Hospital, Helena Goldie Hospital and Honiara. In return, Trunz gives him a mobile phone with a phone number from Solomon Telecom. Of course, the technician receives a monthly salary from Trunz Switzerland, adjusted to the local income!
The Swiss Trunz technician received a camera from me so he can take photos and video for this blog and media I have already contacted.
More news to follow in May 2017
12.03.2017 - News about the project
On Friday 10.03.2017 there was a long meeting in the company Trunz.
At the end of March, a technician from Trunz flies to the Solomon Islands to sort everything out on site - you read correctly, this time it's not John Nell. We discussed all the details involved and I was able to pass on a lot of my know-how.
We agreed that I would organize a meeting for the technician with Des Soares in Brisbane, and in Honiara with Gregory Jilini. In addition, I see to it that the technician can make an appearance at the Japanese Embassy in Honiara. He can explain a lot about the drinking water system from Gzo Hospital.
All the material needed for the Kilu'ufi Hospital will this time be transported directly from Switzerland to the Solomon Islands. Also stainless steel lavabo and faucets.
The technician from Kilu'ufi Hospital should accompany the technician from Trunz to the other island to see the facilities there and the staff from the two hospitals on Gizo and Munda.
More news and photos coming soon
30.01.2017 - and already there is more news
On 20.01.2017, the Swiss Embassy in Canberra received the first status report on the project. Ms. Trunz and I wrote the report together, so that both the business and the project side had their say.
It is particularly gratifying that with Dr. Micky Olangi THE key person for the project is active at Kilu'ufi Hospital. I had a few phone calls with Micky and after a few days I received an email from him assuring me of his full support for the implementation of the project at Kilu'ufi Hospital. He has already received documents from Mrs. Trunz in order to find out in advance the most important clarifications regarding the water reservoir and the location for the plant.
What particularly honors me personally is a sentence from Ms. Hayoz, who finished her internship at the Swiss Embassy in Canberra:
Thank you so much for everything, your work in the Solomon Islands is truly remarkable!
That gives me the momentum for the project.
15.01.2017 - News about the project
In November 2016, the time had come - I signed an agreement for the drinking water project together with the Swiss Embassy in Canberra. Among other things, the agreement states that the project is to be implemented according to my project plan and milestones. The company Trunz Water Systems AG will now receive the first tranche of the agreed amount for the purchase and installation of the drinking water system in January 2017.
Since someone on the Solomon Islands should be responsible for the drinking water systems, Mrs. Trunz and I thought that it would make sense to look for a local engineer or technician. This proved to be very difficult over the last 2 months. The first considerations to look for an engineer in Switzerland or Australia were discarded. There is a need for residence permits, work permits and many more. In addition, the person should also be able to communicate in the local language, Pidgin.
On 01/13/2017, I spoke on the phone with Dr. Micky Olangi, surgeon at Kilu'ufi Hospital. He told me that everyone is infinitely grateful that clean drinking water will soon be available. They need the facility so badly. I asked Micky if he might know an engineer or good technician who would take care of the drinking water systems on Gizo, Munda and soon at Kilu'ufi Hospital. Employed and trained by Trunz Water Systems AG. His answer: You're asking exactly the right person! I know someone who is truly and honestly qualified for the job. After receiving a confirmation email from Micky, I immediately called Ms. Trunz.
She will now discuss everything else with Micky and the engineer. In March 2017, an engineer from Trunz Water Systems AG/Switzerland will be in the Solomon Islands. The plan is - if everything goes as we imagine - that he will train the local engineer intensively in maintenance (e.g.: performing water tests, analyzing, keeping contact with Trunz, etc.).
The local engineer could then - this is my goal - train other electricians or engineers and thus build up a small network on the Solomon Islands.
What is special about this project
The Swiss Embassy in Canberra is funding this project! Ambassador Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen is the first ever Swiss Ambassador who is also the Ambassador for the South Pacific.
In September 2016, with the help of Dr. Des Soares, another hospital in the Solomon Islands was named as being in dire need of a drinking water system from Trunz Water Systems - Kilu'ufi Hospital on Malaita.
The hospital
Kilu'ufi Hospital on Malaita is located outside the capital Auki red circle on the map. With 150 beds, the hospital is the third largest hospital in the Solomon Islands and 30 minutes by plane, or about 3 hours by boat from Honiara.
People do not queue here for shopping, but for treatment in the outpatient clinic.
Read the details about the project in the section: "About the aid project".
For more information about Kilu'ufi Hospital, visit www.hermannoberli.ch and www.daisi.com.au.
Kilu'ufi Hospital Trunz drinking water facility photo gallery
Thanks to the Swiss Trunz technician, photos of Kilu'ufi Hospital are now available.
The photos show the hospital area, the waiting area of the outpatients, and of course the Trunz drinking water plant donated by the Swiss embassy with people who can hardly believe their luck to get pure drinking water from the tap.
On behalf of all these people, I thank the Swiss Ambassador and the Embassy staff in Australia!
Gizo Hospital - Update
16.04.2017
Due to the fact that all reserve material to the TWM1 was burned in the fire, the Swiss Trunz technician installing the equipment at Kilu'ufi Hospital takes all material from Switzerland. he will work with a technician from Auki (Malaita) to re-commission the plant, train the staff and introduce the local technician as the local contact. This will ensure local support.
04.10.2016
Today I received a very encouraging email from Chris Leve, the Head Infection Control at Gizo Hospital.
Chris writes that the drinking water facility is fully utilized by patients and staff. Diarrheal diseases have decreased, which is certainly related to the clean drinking water.
Less pleasant is that the fire of the old hospital destroyed everything - the old buildings, in which were the administration, Chris office, and the hospital pharmacy - all burned down completely. there is nothing left except a few pieces of sheet metal - that is bitter!
All documents relating to Infection Control, whether electronic or paper, have been destroyed. Chris has started to recreate everything - a huge mosaic needs to be put back together.
IT'S DONE!
Since Saturday, 09 July 2016, Gizo Hospital has a functioning Trunz drinking water system. The joy about this is immeasurable in the hospital and on Gizo.
Here are a few impressions of the plant:
Details on how the system works can be found here: TWM_001 and here: E_Facts TWM 001 Whereby it must be noted that the system initially works WITHOUT solar panel. That would have exceeded the donation's budget.
I thank everyone who believed in me and the project. I would like to thank the patrons, without whose donations the project could not have been realized.
AND - I thank John Nell, Andrea Trunz and the staff at Gizo Hospital for their tireless efforts and support to make this project a reality.
We are now able to continue with the project on the Solomon Islands and, thanks to further donations, install drinking water systems in hospitals.
If you would like to know more about the other planned drinking water projects in the Solomon Islands and about possible donations, please contact Petra Breiting - the author of this blog - by mail: pbreiting@gmx.net.
Soraya Pina Hospital Secretary Gizo Hospital has written that they are very proud to be the only hospital in the Solomon Islands with the Trunz facility.
Original text:"It makes us proud because we the only hospital in the country that has it, See attached photo of the taps".
23.08.2016
The St. Galler Tagblatt has published an article about the drinking water project read more here in the St. Galler Tagblatt
Information about Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands, or Solomon Islands, is one of the larger island nations in the South Pacific and is a parliamentary monarchy. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented in the Solomon Islands by a governor general.
More information at Wikipedia.
Trunz Water Systems AG Switzerland
The company Trunz Water Systems AG from Steinach /SG has developed a technology that makes it possible to filter clean drinking water from salt water, brackish water or even well water. Trunz Water Systems AG has developed the appropriate solar technology to be able to use this system worldwide, i.e. in areas affected by natural disasters, in areas where UN troops are deployed, or in areas with water shortage. The devices are mostly independent of electricity or diesel generators
Information about Trunz Water Systems AG
In these photos (by John Nell, Trunz Sustainable Water Systems Australia) from Fiji, a "survival kit" can be seen. This device, no bigger than a suitcase and equipped with a solar panel, filters salt water into drinking water. Various civil defense and relief organizations have this device in use.
Information about the Brackish Water System of Trunz Water Systems AG
Information on the Solomon Islands earthquake
Many have heard/read in the media about the earthquake on 8/12/9/2016 that affected the Solomon Islands. a tsunami warning was declared and later withdrawn.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale. Already on Dec. 9, 2016, the Solomon Islands Red Cross ensured that relief supplies were delivered to the affected regions. Despite all this, many buildings were partially or completely destroyed. a child was killed.
The hardest hit island is Kirakira, read the report in the Solomon Star:Solomon Star Kirakira
Read more about the earthquake here:Report Solomon Star
The epicenter is shown on the map
Drinking water shortage in the north of the Solomon Islands
In the north of the Solomon Islands there is a terrible drought due to El Niño. The Western Provinces are particularly affected, namely Gizo Island with the second largest hospital (150 beds) in the Solomon Islands.
Read ABC Australia 's article on this, as well as all the updated articles on the individual hospitals.